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Hardrock Leasing and Reclamation Act of 2019

Introduced: May 8, 2019 See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 9 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Aug 4, 2020
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 374.
Aug 4, 2020
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 116-467.
Oct 23, 2019
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 13.
Oct 23, 2019
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Oct 23, 2019
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Discharged.
May 9, 2019
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
May 8, 2019
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
May 8, 2019
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
May 8, 2019
Introduced in House
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Hardrock Leasing and Reclamation Act of 2019

This bill addresses mineral leasing, exploration, and development on federal land.

Among other things, the bill

  • prohibits the issuance of a patent for certain mining or millsite claims;
  • establishes a permitting and leasing system for hardrock mining;
  • establishes a 12.5% royalty on new mining operations and an 8% royalty on existing operations, with an exemption for small miners;
  • protects special places, such as wilderness study areas, roadless areas, and wild and scenic rivers, from hardrock mining activity;
  • requires consultation prior to undertaking any mineral activities that may have a substantial direct impact on the lands or interests of Indian tribes;
  • establishes an environmental standard for mining activities to ensure that mining activities prevent undue degradation of public lands and resources;
  • prescribes requirements for the exploration permit process and for operations permits, including financial assurances; and
  • authorizes the use of amounts in the Hardrock Minerals Reclamation Fund for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past hardrock mineral activities and related activities.
What's happening now August 4, 2020

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 374.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2